Sony Life Insurance Co., Ltd.
Former major leaguer Daisuke Matsuzaka holds baseball classes in Ishikawa Prefecture! Daisuke Matsuzaka Baseball Academy presented by Sony Life – Catch that will change your life –
Bringing energy to the areas affected by the Noto Peninsula Earthquake through baseball! We will teach you all the techniques from your active days! “Believe in yourself and get through it,” a passionate shout
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Sony Life Insurance Co., Ltd. (President and Representative Director: Kaoru Takahashi) has announced a baseball class called Daisuke Matsuzaka, which welcomes former major leaguer Daisuke Matsuzaka as a special instructor for elementary school (5th and 6th grade) and junior high school students’ baseball teams. Baseball Academy presented by Sony Life ~Catchball that will change your life~” will be held three times from August to September 2024. As the first memorable event, we held a “baseball class” on August 3rd for children who belong to the youth baseball team “Kanazawa Joto Mets” in Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture. The event was held in Ishikawa Prefecture, an area affected by the Noto Peninsula Earthquake, to bring energy to the affected areas.
On the day of the event, in addition to providing technical guidance through playing catch, pitching, and batting with the children, we also held a talk show to answer questions from the children. The children were encouraged by Mr. Matsuzaka’s words and had a great time smiling.
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“I want Matsuzaka-san to teach me how to win in baseball!” Daisuke Matsuzaka responds to the wishes of a passionate baseball player Daisuke Matsuzaka appeared in front of 20 5th and 6th grade players who belong to the youth baseball team “Kanazawa Joto Mets” in Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture. The children who welcomed Mr. Matsuzaka bowed and said, “Thank you for your guidance today!” under the captain’s shout. Mr. Matsuzaka also smiled at the cheerful greeting that blew away the heat. Regarding an episode related to the team slogan of the Kanazawa Joto Mets, “Glory comes to those who make an effort,” he said, “It doesn’t have to be difficult, so it’s important to keep going.” I always put this into practice during my active career, including the day I had surgery.I want you to keep working hard every day, starting with small goals. ” he said. He also spoke to the players who had been practicing hard with the goal of participating in the national tournament in the spring, but
unfortunately lost in the first match, saying, “When I was in elementary school, I couldn’t win very often. Being around other people motivated me, and I was able to work harder even though I lost. Please cherish your losses and grow.” He gave powerful words of encouragement.
From pitching to control and batting tips! We will teach you all the techniques from your active days!
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Baseball lessons start with a game of catch. “It’s important to throw the ball with consideration for the opponent without thinking about difficult things. When a good ball comes, let’s call out, “Nice ball!” Matsuzaka actively encouraged the players. The players who received the ball from Matsuzaka were nervous but smiled happily. For pitching instruction, Mr. Matsuzaka actually stands on the mound and carefully teaches basic form and how to apply force. “It’s important to step straight onto home plate from the heel of your foot. It’s a good idea to draw a line on home plate and then step on it. I kept doing the same thing until I quit, so I don’t understand it now. I just want you to have an image of it,” he said passionately. Also, when a strong ball came from the pitcher, he would give a thumbs up and say, “Nice ball,” with a smile.
Regarding checks, he advises, “It’s a good idea to put checks in at a time when you want to change the flow of the game.”
“When I was in high school, I sometimes used a method to keep runners in check: I would pitch to the catcher while keeping my eyes on the runners, without throwing anything to keep them in check,” he said, also passing on techniques from his active days. .
The children got really excited when Mr. Matsuzaka showed off his batting skills! The powerful ball was met with applause and cheers from the parents. He responded with a smile to the encore of “One more time!” that erupted inside the stadium, making the stadium excited. The children who received the instruction commented, “It was difficult, but I was happy that Mr. Matsuzaka taught me directly,” and “I want to play baseball even harder from now on.” The baseball lesson ended with everyone on the team smiling and filled with a sense of accomplishment.
Children and parents ask questions to Mr. Matsuzaka! Talk about how to overcome a crisis or overcome a wall
[Image 3: https://prtimes.jp/i/3638/320/resize/d3638-320-2c46fe220b9c8dec97bc-2.jpg&s3=3638-320-ec69e2bc415f7c9dfa8e672e4aa0db8b-1640×1090.jpg] After the baseball class ended, a talk show was held to answer questions from children and parents. A variety of questions were asked, including how to overcome a crisis, pre-game power meals, and questions about the 17th overtime game between PL Gakuen and Yokohama that Matsuzaka experienced during his high school days.
When asked, “Who’s the best batter you’ve ever played against?” he answered, “Of course Ichiro, who I’ve watched since middle school, but after I went to America, it was Derek Jeter of the Yankees. There were times when I was hit with difficult balls in impossible directions. ” was the answer.
Lastly, the captain and pitcher of the Kanazawa Joto Mets said, “In an important tournament, I pitched and lost by walk-off. Since then, I’ve been afraid of losing and haven’t been able to play as well as I wanted to. How will you overcome this, Mr. Matsuzaka? “?” he asked. Matsuzaka said, “It’s important to practice after losing, but it’s also important to talk to your friends, manager, and coach and get their support.You don’t have to think about how to overcome scary or painful things until you become an adult.” It’s also important. I want you to believe in yourself and get through it.”
Mr. Matsuzaka signs the children’s items! Supporting the future of baseball boys and girls
[Image 4: https://prtimes.jp/i/3638/320/resize/d3638-320-fd2f89480f346c029bcc-3.jpg&s3=3638-320-d411d16a1c5865528b5fa269eb442ca8-1677×1118.jpg] At the end of the baseball class, a photo session was held with Mr. Matsuzaka, the players, and their parents. As the captain yelled, “We’re going to win!”, everyone held up a powerful pose for first place. Afterwards, an autograph session was held for the items each child brought. The children looked a little nervous as they expressed their gratitude, and Mr. Matsuzaka encouraged each one of them, saying, “Good luck!”
Lifeplanners from Sony Life Insurance Co., Ltd.’s Kanazawa Lifeplanner Center also support baseball classes.
[Image 5: https://prtimes.jp/i/3638/320/resize/d3638-320-772605c3d07414f1a4d5-4.jpg&s3=3638-320-dfec3a2ca21b2667d77bdda0267c49fa-829×600.jpg] Mr. Soejima Branch Manager of Kanazawa Life Planner Center 2nd Branch of Sony Life Insurance Co., Ltd. took the stage and explained the purpose and outline of the baseball class. “We decided to hold this event after receiving a passionate desire from the members of the Kanazawa Joto Mets to learn from Mr. Matsuzaka and play winning baseball.
We provide life support while valuing “verbal play” with our customers. I hope that today’s communication with Mr. Matsuzaka, such as playing catch, will be a cherished summer memory for everyone.” Additionally, 10 Life Planners from Ishikawa Prefecture will be supporting the baseball class on the day. They helped pick up balls during catch and batting practice, providing a comfortable practice environment for the players.
Speaker information
[Image 6: https://prtimes.jp/i/3638/320/resize/d3638-320-004ade533b84128577df-5.jpg&s3=3638-320-c03ea2da6d385ac8959e52f1461f51c9-562×675.jpg] Daisuke Matsuzaka
Born September 13, 1980. Born in Tokyo. As the ace of the Yokohama High School baseball team, he won consecutive spring and summer Koshien championships. After joining the Seibu Lions as the No. 1 draft pick, he played for the Boston Red Sox, Creepland Indians, and New York Mets in Major League Baseball. In 2014, he joined the Fukuoka Softbank Hawks, and after playing for the Chunichi Dragons and Seibu Lions, he retired from active duty in 2021. Currently active as a baseball commentator, baseball critic, and sportscaster.
Event overview
[Date and time] Saturday, August 3, 2024 13:00-16:00 [Reception starts from 12:30]
[Venue] Uchikawa Sports Square Youth Baseball Field 2nd Stadium [1-1 Yamakawacho, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture 920-1337]
[Sponsor] Sony Life Insurance Co., Ltd.
[Lecturer] Daisuke Matsuzaka
[Team participating in the class] Kanazawa Joto Mets (boys softball baseball team/Activity area: Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture) [Contents of the day] Greetings from Daisuke Matsuzaka / Baseball class [Catchball / Pitching/Checks / Batting]
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About Sony Life Insurance Co., Ltd.
[Image 7: https://prtimes.jp/i/3638/320/resize/d3638-320-153f53f4cabab4e3abaf-7.jpg&s3=3638-320-12e9d1b357478311e46f97f0b811a500-510×508.jpg] At Sony Life Insurance Co., Ltd., Life Planners, who are insurance and financial professionals, offer “consulting sales,” in which insurance and financial professionals design and propose custom-made insurance according to each individual’s life plan, as well as lifetime insurance inspections and services. We provide a “consulting follow” service that provides advice. Consultations are also available online using PCs, smartphones, etc. Moving forward, we will continue to work to further expand the value we provide while building up trust as our customers’ “life companions” in order to realize our vision of “protecting customers’ lives that are worth living.” Official website: https://www.sonylife.co.jp/
About Daisuke Matsuzaka Baseball Academy
[Image 8: https://prtimes.jp/i/3638/320/resize/d3638-320-1d99828ec296702cda68-6.jpg&s3=3638-320-c07e6c5443cbaf411c49b1e19c986898-1052×464.jpg] Daisuke Matsuzaka Baseball Academy is a baseball class held with the theme of “Supporting children’s physical and mental growth through baseball” and inviting Daisuke Matsuzaka as an instructor. We support children’s future by teaching them the importance of playing catch and improving their baseball skills, as well as their spirituality. Special site: https://www.sonylife.co.jp/land/baseballacademy/